Iran Star To Start Inter Milan Vs Barcelona Champions League Showdown If Argentina FIFA World Cup Winner Unable To | OneFootball

Mehdi Taremi will start for Inter Milan against Barcelona if Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez proves unable to.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

The big fitness doubt for Inter Milan ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Barcelona has concerned Lautaro Martinez.

The Nerazzurri captain had started in the first leg last week.

However, Martinez had to come off at halftime. He was in evident discomfort with his left thigh, and was unable to continue.

Subsequent medical tests confirmed that Martinez had not suffered a serious muscle injury, though. Rather, he had sustained an “elongation” to the flexor muscles in his left thigh.

Therefore, Martinez should be able to return for the second leg. He is already back in training today.

Mehdi Taremi To Start For Inter Vs Barcelona If Lautaro Unable To

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 19: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale looks on during the Coppa Italia, Round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The hope now is that Martinez is able to start tomorrow’s semifinal second leg.

The Inter captain is doing absolutely everything to make himself available.

And reports today have been optimistic regarding Martinez’s ability to start.

However, the fact that the 27-year-old is still only just coming back from a physical problem means that there is inevitably some doubt.

Therefore, Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi also has an alternative plan in mind.

Iranian international striker Mehdi Taremi was the player who replaced Martinez for the second half of the first leg against Barcelona.

And according to the Corriere, if Martinez is unable to start tomorrow, it will fall to Taremi. The former Porto striker will then lead the line alongside Marcus Thuram.